|
IN BRIEF
|
According to a famous American magazine, France takes the prize for the most beautiful cycling route in the world: the Loire à Vélo, a ribbon of about 900 kilometers stretching from Cuffy to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins following Europe’s last wild river.
On the agenda for this beautiful escape at the end of August, crowned number 1: Renaissance castles, vineyards, characterful villages, and panoramas of the Loire Valley listed as Unesco, all designed for a cyclotourism experience that is both easy and exhilarating.
The Loire à Vélo, a 900-kilometer ribbon along Europe’s last great wild river, has just been crowned the most beautiful cycling route in the world by a leading magazine. From Cuffy to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, the route crosses Renaissance castles, vineyards, and preserved villages, all supported by cyclist-friendly infrastructure. Accessible at all levels, labeled Accueil Vélo, and celebrating its 20 years in 2025, this Loire star outshines legendary routes internationally. Additionally, trains accept bicycles, visitor numbers are rising (1.2 million cyclists per year), and ideas for detours abound, from the Atlantic coast to nearby valleys, all in a gentle philosophy of slow tourism.
The verdict was delivered at the end of August: an international ranking placed the Loire à Vélo at the top. The jury was captivated by a unique blend: landscapes listed as Unesco, legendary castles, postcard villages, and impeccable logistics to pedal with ease. Result: France takes gold, edging out exceptional routes.
Just behind, the spectacular Trans Dinarica (5,500 km through seven Balkan countries) takes silver, while the Route des Caravanes in Morocco (840 km between the High Atlas and Tangier) completes the podium with a more challenging adventure. The top 10 also honors dream routes like the Shimanami Kaido in Japan, the Irish coast of MizMal, and the legendary Carretera Austral in Chile. The Loire, meanwhile, shines with its accessible elegance.
A flowing ribbon of 900 km between nature, history, and art of living
From the source of the Loire to the ocean, the cycling route winds flat (or almost) through six departments and two regions. The stages unfold gently in a mosaic of meadows, riverine forests, Loire islands, vineyards, and French gardens. Here, royal silhouettes can be spotted: Chambord, Amboise, Saumur… so many icons set in a backdrop designated as world heritage by Unesco.
The main route faithfully follows the river, especially in the Loir-et-Cher, and marked loops allow for visits to castles a bit off the main path. Food lovers take their time, pausing at troglodyte shelters, tuffeau caves, small markets, and waterside guinguettes that sparkle in the evening. In short, a journey that is as enjoyable as it is fulfilling to pedal.
A cycling route designed for all calves
Beginners, families, long-distance travelers: everyone finds their rhythm. Families sample short stages from one village to another, while adventurers tackle the full 900 km in about ten days. Practically speaking, the Accueil Vélo network lists more than 5,000 suitable addresses (accommodations, restaurants, workshops, rentals), and regional trains accept bicycles for hopping from one section to another as desired.
To prepare a trip to perfection, take a look at ideas and inspirations for summer 2025 in the Loire: best practices, highlights, and smart addresses for an escape in pace with the river.
The Loire à Vélo celebrates its 20 years in 2025
Created in 2005 by the Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire regions, the cycling route blows out its 20 candles in 2025 and confirms its status as a pioneer of sustainable tourism. Attendance now reaches 1.2 million cyclists per year, with a 9% increase since the beginning of the year. About one-fifth of visitors come from abroad, mainly from Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. A popular success that proves you can travel far… without going to the other side of the world.
The trend actually goes beyond the banks of the Loire: outdoor activities are on the rise everywhere, even in the mountains, as shown by the increase in mountain attendance. Whether on horseback, on foot, or snowshoes, the French are reconnecting with the pleasure of wide open spaces.
Typical itinerary: from Cuffy to the Atlantic, the call of the sea
You start in Cuffy, getting to know the river as it meanders, marveling in the gardens of the castles, picnicking between poplars and sandy banks, and ending facing the Atlantic at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. Want to extend your journey? Test your knowledge with this quiz on the wonders of the Atlantic coast, to help choose the next salty stop.
Need a detour off the beaten track? Head southwest along the valleys of the Clain for a green and intimate interlude. Here, you’ll find the same travel philosophy at a human scale, which adds spice to great French escapes.
The secret to the top spot: elegant simplicity
The Loire à Vélo does not seek to dazzle: it offers a simple elegance, a fluid course, generous heritage, and logistics so well-oiled that even the unexpected becomes anecdotes. This is the DNA of slow tourism: taking the time, multiplying encounters, trading speed for intensity.
On a global scale, competition is tough: Andean roads, Japanese archipelagos, Celtic coasts… But few itineraries gather to such an extent accessibility, diversity of landscapes, cultural richness, and thoughtful hospitality. It is this winning combo that elevates the Loire to the highest rung.
